Portuguese Phrase
Sim, fiz ontem.
Meaning
The speaker confirms that they performed the asked‑for action and adds that it happened the day before. It is a concise way to answer a yes‑or‑no question about a past activity.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks if you have already done something (e.g., a task, a purchase, a call) and you want to answer affirmatively while indicating the exact time it was done.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sim,fizontem.
Sim
A simple affirmative particle meaning 'yes'. It can stand alone or precede a statement.
fiz
First‑person singular preterite of the verb *fazer* (to do/make). It expresses a completed action in the past.
ontem
An adverb of time meaning 'yesterday'. It usually follows the verb it modifies.
Punctuation
A comma after *Sim* separates the affirmation from the rest of the sentence, mirroring spoken pauses.
🗨In Conversation
Você já enviou o e‑mail para o cliente?
Did you already send the email to the client?
Sim, fiz ontem.
Yes, I did it yesterday.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, fazer ontem.
Use the conjugated form *fiz* for a completed action, not the infinitive *fazer*.
Sim, fiz hoje.
If you mean yesterday, the correct adverb is *ontem*, not *hoje* (today).
Sim, não fiz ontem.
Adding *não* changes the meaning to a negative answer.
↔Alternatives
Claro, fiz ontem.
Sure, I did it yesterday.
Com certeza, fiz ontem.
Certainly, I did it yesterday.
Sim, já fiz ontem.
Yes, I already did it yesterday.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, *sim* is the most neutral way to say ‘yes’. Adding *já* (already) or *claro* (of course) can make the response sound more enthusiastic. When speaking informally, many Brazilians drop the comma and say *Sim fiz ontem* with a quick pause, but the written form keeps the comma for clarity.